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Why is my cat eating litter, throwing up, and losing weight?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Birman | Female | unspayed | 2 years old

Hi there, I have a 2yr old female Birman x Tabby cat, who likes to eat kitty litter all the time.. She is very well feed, her & our other cat are inside cats. The birman throws up around once or twice a week & she is very skinny..

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2017

This can be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, anemia, kidney disease or feline leukemia in Miley, and I would have her seen by a vet for a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis. These causes could also lead her to vomit and be quite skinny. Using these test, the vet can diagnose if she does have any of these conditions causing her symptoms, and can treat her for them. I would have her seen by a vet in the morning.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By John C. Gicking, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist
Vomiting is a very common clinical sign that may originate from problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract or causes outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Eating litter (or other nonfood items) is known as pica and maybe secondary to medical problems such as anemia (low red blood cell count), dietary deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or even behavioral problems. You mention that the Birman is well feed but also very skinny. She may have an underlying medical problem that she should be evaluated for. I recommend you make an appointment with your family veterinarian for a physical examination and to discuss these problems. Your veterinarian may recommend doing some tests based on your consultation and the physical examination.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 31st, 2018
Hi there. Eating litter is often a sign of nausea or anemia in cats, so I would recommend taking your kitty to the vet for an exam. He/she can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine what's wrong and get her started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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